AVI LTHR BRONCO A-2 Jacket Review & Pics

[Seb Lucas]

Looks like you have taken off some of the surface dye with your surgical spirits (what are they?). The Indy Jones crowd would like that distressing.

 

[Brettafett]

Surgical Spirits is just rubbing alcohol... buy it at any pharmacy.
At that time I had to let the 1401 go, I still keep in touch the the owner, he loves it. Its all good, I know my measurements down pat now, so can get another, but for now having fun with these AVI's.
Yes, am aware of the 'upgrades', which are not really necessary, but will certainly elevate this jacket up a notch again, in terms of authenticity...
The cool thing is, that with a jacket like this and the price one pays, its not too scary to experiment with it, patch or paint it up. This would make an excellent re-enactment jacket, and an even better practical daily wearer...

 

[Flightengineer]

Brett, to make a matte jacket do you just dabbed it with a microfiber in alcohol ? Or wiped it?

 

[Brettafett]

Well, I have read of different ways to do this; Use a spray bottle to wet the entire area and then wipe or rub it down... I didn't overthink it, but I did go 'easy' as I wanted a subtle effect and not too 'over the top'.
I think its good to 'scrunch' the jacket up a bit, or wear it in for a while, so it can develop some more creases and character, and this will then better show after the rub down.
So I just wet a section of a microfibre cloth and then with my hands, I wet an area about the size of my palm, sometimes bigger... and then lightly rubbed it down, stopping and checking that I didn't overdo it. Some areas I just wet and it took away some of the sheen.
At one point I placed a winter puffer jacket inside, so the A-2 took a natural form and I could get a better overall effect. If you do this with the jacket flat on a table, you may get 'sharp' areas that will rub off and leave an unnatural appearance, esp with the sleeves. Pockets and windfall are better worked on flat.
High spots, or areas that are protruding will rub off quite quickly, so be prepared and don't rub too hard. Also wouldn't wet it too much, as you don't want dry the jacket out... I guess one has to experiment and ideally try it in good light, so you can see the effect as you go.

 

[Brettafett]

This was really just to give the jacket a head-start... I wore it in a downpour the other day also, so its on its way
These jackets new can often take years to develop that worn in look, I didn't want to wait that long. I know its a controversial topic here... Whatever.
Point is, the jacket looks great and at under $400, won't give me a heart attack if I decide to experiment with something creative.
When the weather improves will take some more fit pics in daylight.

 

[Flightengineer]

It would be interesting to have a look at the pics .

 

[Flightengineer]

I want to note that even without alcohol and artificial aging, AVI quickly "aged" by itself in the process of wearing, in some places the paint looks lighter. Perhaps this is the coloring quality (intentionally it is made by the manufacturer or not I don't know).

 

[Flightengineer]

like that

 

[tropicalbob]

Just an update for anyone who is interested. AVI LTHR has a russet version of their Bronco imminent, will be available in about 2 weeks.
Besides the russet goatskin, I've been informed that this version will feature an 'upgraded' zipper... Talon have reproduced an M-39 Triple-Marked zipper, especially for AVI. I'm sure this will be std on all A-2s going forward. An exciting addition.
Also, I've told that they have looked even more closely at the label and have it darn near perfect.
These 'updates', promise to make an already great jacket, even better.
Watch this space, I hope to get some fit pics and do a review of this one also, comparing to the seal version.

I think I'm pretty much sold and I'm leaning towards the new russet. I'll email them tomorrow. Thanks to you and Flightengineer for the great reviews, pics, and info.

 

[Brettafett]

Absolute pleasure. Should be receiving the russet Bronco soon and will review it here.

 

[tropicalbob]

Absolute pleasure. Should be receiving the russet Bronco soon and will review it here.

I'm really looking forward to it. I emailed them last night but haven't heard anything yet. Still wondering if I should order my regular size (38) or go up one. The details look about right and I'd like a good fit, but the last thing I need is another jacket that's just a tiny bit too small.

 

[Brettafett]

I'm really looking forward to it. I emailed them last night but haven't heard anything yet. Still wondering if I should order my regular size (38) or go up one. The details look about right and I'd like a good fit, but the last thing I need is another jacket that's just a tiny bit too small.

Well, I usually wear a 40 or a 40 Long in top tier repro jackets (Eastman, Goodwear, Aero etc...) I went up one size with AVI, to a 42... which funny enough makes sense. I generally wear a 42 original WW2 A-2 jacket (owned a couple) and as AVI's Bronco is copied off their original... Then a 42 should fit me better. And it does. In fact, I ordered a 40 and a 42, as I was not sure myself and the 40 was nice, snug, but the 42 just fit like a glove. Returned the 40.
I would contact them and check current prices, maybe order two and return the smaller one... Or err on the side of one size up.

 

[Brettafett]

Hello all,
As promised, some updated pics of my seal AVI Bronco. Had this jacket a few months now, worn on and off.

I took some 'Rubbing alcohol/ Surgical spirits' and gave it a 'light' rubbing down. Very gently all over the jacket, with a little more over the high points. I am very happy with the result. Took away a bit of the sheen and removed some areas of the top colour. Now I will leave it and let nature run its course.

It is a very comfortable jacket, for an A-2. The goatskin leather has lots of natural grain and character, and is very malleable, not stiff at all. Drapes beautifully. Easy to wear.
I find I can easily move around in this jacket. When I lift my arms to reach for something, I am not 'attacked' by a constriction of the sleeves, armpits, etc... I know I have said it so many times already, but having owned many top tier jackets from almost everyone, this jacket is surprisingly good.

I think this seal version, is more of a dark russet to be honest. I like the colour... And its certainly 'authentic'... but its similar in hue to some of my other/ previous russet jackets. I have ordered the russet version also and will compare the two. I would love to see a more neutral darker brown version in the future!

 

[Gamma68]

Man, your posts are really making me start to think about buying one of these. That jacket looks really nice.

 

[Flightengineer]

Excellent pics Brett, good upgrade.

 

[jonesy86]

Well, I usually wear a 40 or a 40 Long in top tier repro jackets (Eastman, Goodwear, Aero etc...) I went up one size with AVI, to a 42... which funny enough makes sense. I generally wear a 42 original WW2 A-2 jacket (owned a couple) and as AVI's Bronco is copied off their original... Then a 42 should fit me better. And it does. In fact, I ordered a 40 and a 42, as I was not sure myself and the 40 was nice, snug, but the 42 just fit like a glove. Returned the 40.
I would contact them and check current prices, maybe order two and return the smaller one... Or err on the side of one size up.

Very excited about these jackets, thanks for the excellent review, discussion and info! Looking at either a Russet Bronco, or The A-1 capeskin. Anyone have any comparison between the goat and capeskin, or more info on the A-1? Trying to pin down sizing. I'm 6'-1", 200 Lb. 42" chest. I usually go 44 or 44L in order to get length. I have trouble finding a 26" or preferably 27" sleeve that isn't hanging on me. Probably look at a 44 if I go with the Bronco. Anyone have experience
with the cut of the A-1?
Peace

 

[Gutmann]

Very excited about these jackets, thanks for the excellent review, discussion and info! Looking at either a Russet Bronco, or The A-1 capeskin. Anyone have any comparison between the goat and capeskin, or more info on the A-1? Trying to pin down sizing. I'm 6'-1", 200 Lb. 42" chest. I usually go 44 or 44L in order to get length. I have trouble finding a 26" or preferably 27" sleeve that isn't hanging on me. Probably look at a 44 if I go with the Bronco. Anyone have experience
with the cut of the A-1?
Peace

Gentlemen,

Please find attached the size guide for the Bronco A2 including sleeves.

Best,

Philipp


Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk

 

[CBI]

looks great at the price point!!!! I guess the knits they use across the board are not the modern ones on their site? These updated vintage knits make a huge difference. Looks like a great A-2 and A-1 for someone not wanting to spend a lot. They are currently offering a sale of sorts for non EU orders and free shipping!

 

[CBI]

and this costs even less!

Fivestar.Leather Men's Air Force A-2 Leather Flight Bomber Jacket ...

 

[Brettafett]

Can't speak about the A-1, but this 42 has 26.5" sleeve length, the 40 I tried had a 26" sleeve... and I'm 5'10 or 5'11, depending on who's doing the measuring (measurement posted on pg 1)...
I recon a 44 would be a good call.
Yes, the knits on the Broncos are an update on their previous 'generic' jackets... And equal to anything found on more expensive jackets... The 'new' russet version will have an updated repro Talon zipper, so will be even more 'authentic'.